Elton John Auction at Christie’s Sells for More Than Double Its Early Estimates
The singer-songwriter’s wildly imaginative collection of art, Cartier wristwatches, and stage memorabilia brought in more than $20 million
The exuberant collectibles displayed in Elton John’s Atlanta residence were just as vibrant as the singer-songwriter’s larger-than-life stage presence. Brought to market at Christie’s in a multipart sale, the “Goodbye Peachtree Road” kicked off with as much gusto as one of John’s stadium concerts with bidders from around the globe clamoring to secure a piece of the artist’s fantastical collectibles.
Kicking off on February 21 in a live sale at Christie’s Rockefeller Center flagship in New York, the dispersement of 49 lots achieved $8 million with 100 percent of the pieces sold. “The view from the rostrum this evening was fantastic; with an incredible energy in the room and outstanding activity online,” Tash Perrin, Deputy Chairman, Christie’s Americas, said in a statement.
Indeed, many of the works soared past expectations with Banksy’s Flower Thrower Triptych achieving close to $2 million, nearly double its low estimate. Also far outpacing early figures was a work by Sol Lewitt that commanded $63,000, an Untitled Keith Haring canvas that brought $756,000, and a sensuous Richard Avedon photograph, Nastassja Kinski and the Serpent, Los Angeles, California, June 14, 1981, hammering at $151,200, far outpacing its $60,000 to $80,000 estimate.
“Collaborating with Elton John and David Furnish to steward the collection offered in Goodbye Peachtree Road was a truly memorable experience,” noted Perrin. “The enthusiasm of Elton’s fans was equally memorable. The extraordinary success of the sales speaks volumes for the joy and exuberance of his eye and Elton John’s lasting impact on collectors and fans alike. The sales began with an impressive $8 million on the first night and surpassed $20 million with day and online sales. Christie’s is immensely proud of these results.”
While photography represented a significant portion of the auction, many of the other leading lots were more pop culture than Pop art. A pair of 1975 sunglasses presumed to fetch $2,000 to $3,000 went for $22,600; a pair of well-worn silver platform boots embellished with an E and J realized $94,500. far outpacing its $5,000 to $10,000 estimate; and a selection of highly desirable watches from Cartier and Rolex soared to unexpected heights.
“It was a great honor for Christie’s to have been entrusted with the auction of the contents of Elton John’s Atlanta home,” Bonnie Brennan, president of Christie’s Americas, said in a statement. “The collection was assembled over 30 years in an American city that meant so much to Elton John and his family. Beyond including artistic and personal treasures the sale cemented the cultural legacy of one of the world’s most iconic figures. It was an absolute privilege to present these objects to the thousands of fans and collectors who visited our galleries, enabling us to celebrate both Elton John’s exceptional eye as a collector and the vibrant chapter Atlanta played in his life.”
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